This memorable tune from the Charleston era was inspired by a pig! The composers, Donaldson & Kahn, were visiting their friend, entertainer Eddie Cantor, when Cantor’s daughter Marjorie brought out one of her favorite toys, a walking mechanical pig. She wound it up and it started walking in rhythm while two notes kept coming from the little creature. Kahn was inspired and started working lyrics to these notes in rhythm with the pig, producing the titleand opening line of the chorus in short order. The pair immediately turned it into a song, and Cantor made it a lasting hit.
Who’s that coming down the street?Who’s that looking so petite?Who’s that coming down to meet me here?Who’s that you know who I mean,Sweetest “who” you’ve ever seen,I could tell her miles away from here.
Chorus: Yes, Sir, That’s my Baby, No, Sir, Don’t mean “Maybe”Yes, Sir, That’s my Baby now.Yes ma’am, we’ve decided, No ma’am, we won’t hide it,Yes, ma’am, you’re invited now.By the way, By the way,When we reach the preacher I’ll say, (with feeling)
Yes Sir, That’s my Baby, No, Sir, don’t mean “maybe”,Yes Sir, That’s my Baby now.
Who’s the “who” I rave about?Who do I feel blue without?In the winter, summer, spring and fall?What was I just “gonna” say,I forget, but anyway,Here’s the most important thing of all.
Yes, Sir, That’s my Baby, No, Sir, Don’t mean “Maybe”Yes, Sir, That’s my Baby now.
Well well, “lookit” that baby, Do tell, don’t say “maybe”,Nell’s bells, won’t she cause some row.Pretty soon, Pretty soon,We will hear that Lohengrin tune, (I’m sayin’)Who for should she be sir, No one else but me sir,Yes sir, That’s my Baby now.